Since the late 1870's Blackpool has had some form of street lighting display and today it is still a massive draw for tourists. In 2012 it was the 100 year anniversary of the first public display and it's still going strong.In recent years the switching on of the lights has been performed by various celebrities including Shirley Bassey, Les Dawson, Robbie Williams, Peter Kay and many more. The lights display costs over £2 million pounds with over forty staff who work all year round to maintain and organize the lights display.

Blackpool is a very popular British seaside destination already and has a number of great attractions suitable for couples and families with children of all ages. Quite simply the Blackpool Illuminations are just another great reason to take short break or holiday to Blackpool. The lights stretch are approximately ten kilometres long and use over a million bulbs to offer a unique display of light.

So if you are thinking of taking a trip to Blackpool you could time it to include the illuminations as well. Generally the Blackpool Illuminations take place around the start of September and run through to the start of November. At the start of September the lights are only on for around two and a half hours. As the evenings get darker towards November the lights are on from around 5pm to 11pm or midnight on weekends.

There are some Blackpool coach holidays that include special Blackpool Illuminations events however you can also book one of the normal great value Blackpool coach trips and see the lights yourself. Alternatively you could opt for a Blackpool self drive hotel break and take your own car if that is a more convenient option for you.

Alpha Travel offer various coach holidays to Blackpool from various parts of England for five and seven night durations in the Queens hotel which is located on the South Promenade between Central and South Piers. The hotel is just a ten minute walk to the Pleasure Beach.

Shearings Blackpool holidays include accommodation in the Liberty’s on the Square Hotel which is located near the centre of Blackpool. Some of their Blackpool trips include a drive along the six mile stretch of promenade by tram. Plus there are usually optional trips to the Lake District and a half day trip to Fleetwood overlooking Morecambe Bay.

Just Go Coach Holidays also offer a special self drive hotel break option where you can drive yourself to Blackpool and enjoy the same hotel and options you would on a coach holiday. The Blackpool self drive holiday includes three nights accommodation on this four day holiday. You get three nights accommodation in the Chequers Plaza Hotel, located on Blackpool’s Queen’s Promenade on a bed and breakfast basis. There are some optional excursions available as well. If you prefer you can take a coach and let someone else do the driving.

National Holidays Blackpool trips include a number of options including Blackpool Silversands Inclusive Illuminations, Blackpool Grand Illuminations, Blackpool St Elmo Illuminations £1 Bar Break, The Addams Family & Blackpool Funtime, Blackpool Illuminations Inclusive and more. National Holidays have a great range of Blackpool hotels to choose from and there is even a Blackpool Murder Mystery Special. National Holidays offer 2,3,4 and 5 day Blackpool breaks with a huge range of departures offered around England. For departures from Scotland, holidays are operated by their sister company Caledonian Travel.

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